Welcome to OSHER@Dartmouth!

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The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Dartmouth or for short, OSHER@Dartmouth, is a volunteer organization that provides lifelong educational programs for residents in the greater Upper Valley. It is based on the campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. Established by the College in 1990 as the Institute for Lifelong Education at Dartmouth (ILEAD), the name was changed in 2014 when ILEAD formally became a member of the Osher network of lifelong learning institutes.

Our program offers year-round opportunities to study timely and provocative subjects by participating in courses, attending lectures, interacting at social events, taking part in group journeys, and much more! Please browse through our website for more information on our upcoming programs and activities. We hope to see you at an upcoming event!

Winter Term Dates: January 12 - March 6, 2015

Spring Term Dates: March 23 - May 15, 2015

Spring catalogs should be available on or before January 16, 2015.Spring term registration opens on Friday, January 30, 2015.Spring term registration closes on Monday, February 16, 2015.From February 23rd through the 27th, all registration activity will be on hold as welcome packets are mailed to current registrants.

Fall Term Dates: September 21 - November13, 2015

Fall catalogs should be mailed no later than July 6, 2015Fall term registration open on July 27, 2015Fall term registration closes on August 31, 2015.

ILEAD BECOMES OSHER@DARTMOUTH!

Our History

OSHER@Dartmouth was established by the College as the Institute for Lifelong Education at Dartmouth (ILEAD) in November 1990 by 38 Upper Valley residents, who were not only intrigued by the "idea of continued learning" but also relished the challenge of establishing a self-administered and peer-taught discussion program. By the 20th anniversary of the organization in 2010, over 25,700 people had participated in the institute's programs, and today, it has over 1,700 members. The name was changed in 2014 when ILEAD formally became a member of the Osher network of lifelong learning institutes.

Membership is open to anyone who is interested in learning, and simply requires payment of an annual fee. The calendar year runs from July to June. In addition to the annual membership fee, members pay a modest fee for each course they take, and can take as many courses as they wish each term.

Courses

Between 45 and 80 courses are offered in each of three terms: fall, winter, and spring. The majority of classes meet one day per week for two hours each. Full-length courses are five to eight weeks and mini courses are two to four weeks. Classes vary in size from eight to 25 participants. Lecture-style and movie classes vary in size from 30 to 80 participants.

Placement in a course is on a first-come first-served basis. Group discussions allow participating class members to explore new subjects, nurture new interests, and make new friends. Members can also become Study Leaders in courses of their own design.

When you take classes at OSHER@Dartmouth, you gain opportunities to do so much...

Access to Dartmouth's renowned library system (effective with enrollment in a course)

Special Events, Trips, and Lectures

Membership in OSHER@Dartmouth involves more than our engaging selection of courses - there are numerous opportunities throughout the year to participate in special trips and events, and to attend a wide variety of intriguing lectures. Visit our Events & Lectures page for the latest schedule!

OSHER@Dartmouth members have had opportunities to see productions at Boston's Wang Theater, travel to Switzerland and Egypt, and sit in the audience as speakers from around the globe have discussed topics as diverse as Somalian pirates, art as a form of therapy, and the ants of New England. A new opportunity for personal growth, experience, and adventure is always on its way when you're a member of OSHER@Dartmouth!

Summer Lecture Series

Each summer's lecture series is based on a stimulating and provocative main theme that changes from year to year. Lectures take place once a week during July and August at Spaulding Auditorium in the Hopkins Center for the Arts on the Dartmouth College campus. Visit our Summer Lectures Series page for more information!

Location

The OSHER@Dartmouth offices are located in the D.O.C. House, at the edge of Occom Pond on the Dartmouth College campus. Many of our classes take place in the D.O.C. House, with several courses each semester meeting at other local sites, including Kendal at Hanover, Lebanon College, and Hanover Senior and Community Center.

What Are You Waiting For?

With so many exciting opportunities for learning, for adventure, and for friendship, why would you wait? Contact the OSHER@Dartmouth office today and become a member!